cicely: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowBotanical, Culinary, Historical/Literary
Quick answer
What does “cicely” mean?
Any of several related plants of the family Apiaceae (the parsley family), especially sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata), a European perennial herb with fern-like leaves, white flowers, and a sweet, anise-like aroma used in cooking and traditional medicine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of several related plants of the family Apiaceae (the parsley family), especially sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata), a European perennial herb with fern-like leaves, white flowers, and a sweet, anise-like aroma used in cooking and traditional medicine.
The term can refer to the plant itself, its aromatic leaves or seeds used as a herb, or historically, as a feminine given name, though the latter is now rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The plant is more commonly known and referenced in British and European contexts due to its native range. In American usage, it is a more specialized botanical/gardening term; 'sweet cicely' is the most common form. The given name Cicely is extremely rare in both regions but had slightly more historical usage in the UK.
Connotations
UK: Evokes cottage gardens, foraging, and traditional British cookery. US: Primarily a botanical identifier, less culturally embedded.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Higher relative frequency in UK gardening, botanical, and historical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “cicely” in a Sentence
grow + cicelyseason + with + cicelyinfuse + with + cicelyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cicely” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cicely-scented syrup was delightful.
American English
- A cicely-flavored liqueur is a local specialty.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Found in botanical texts, ethnobotany, and historical plant studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused in everyday conversation outside of specialist gardeners or foragers.
Technical
Used in horticulture, taxonomy (Apiaceae), and culinary arts for specific herbal notes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cicely”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cicely”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cicely”
- Misspelling as 'Cecily' (the personal name).
- Confusing it with chervil or other fine-leaved herbs.
- Incorrectly capitalizing when referring to the plant (it's typically lower-case).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different species within the same family (Apiaceae). Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is larger, perennial, and has a stronger sweet-anise flavour compared to the more delicate, annual chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium).
Yes, sweet cicely is edible. Its leaves, seeds, and roots are used. The leaves have a sweet, anise-like taste and are used in salads, with fruit, or to reduce acidity in dishes. The seeds can be used as a spice.
No, it is very rare today. It was used historically, often in literary or pastoral contexts (e.g., in Thomas Hardy's novels). The more common variant of the name is 'Cecily'.
The plant name is thought to derive from the Greek 'seselis', a name for a similar aromatic plant. The personal name Cicely is a medieval English form of 'Cecilia'.
Any of several related plants of the family Apiaceae (the parsley family), especially sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata), a European perennial herb with fern-like leaves, white flowers, and a sweet, anise-like aroma used in cooking and traditional medicine.
Cicely is usually botanical, culinary, historical/literary in register.
Cicely: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪsəli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪsəli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific. Potential literary allusion to 'Sweet Cicely' as a rustic character.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember 'Cicely' the plant by associating it with 'sweetly' – it smells sweet like anise.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT AS A PERSON (archaic): The use as a feminine given name personifies the plant's delicate, sweet, and old-fashioned qualities.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cicely' most likely to be encountered?